Saturday, October 15, 2016

Sights around Golfito Costa Rica

Golfito, Costa Rica Banana Bay marina on left in yellow, Land and Sea Services, and Fish Hook marina in blue on the right...

One of the first places we visited upon arrival in Golfito was Land and Sea services, nestled between Banana Bay marina and Fish Hook marina, this small family run business caters to the needs of cruisers, providing a dinghy dock, shower, and local knowledge amongst other things. Back in the day, before the economic downturn of '08 when cruisers were more plentiful, this was a happening place with dozens of sailboats hanging on the hook and parties in the clubhouse. But now it's more subdued and the owners struggle to get by just like everyone else in this town. Still, we found it to be a friendly welcome with a place to sit and use the wifi, a cat to pet, and a pack of dogs to guard against thieves. Some weekends they host pot luck dinners and it's a charming, relaxed atmosphere.

Abu, the resident cat at the Land and Sea clubhouse.

A large (over 3 ft long) resident sea turtle makes the rounds near Land and Sea. The owners tell us she has been returning for over 8 years and she enjoys eating bananas.




Along the waterfront main road is a soccer field and turning uphill from there will take you to a beautiful hillside overlooking the bay. We hiked along the road and saw Toucans for the first time in the wild.






Chris and Shawna overlooking Golfito Bay, Costa Rica September, 2016
Photo courtesy of Jon of S/V Prism



Black Mandibled Toucan

Searching for critters to photograph with Jon and Shannon of S/V Prism

Strange plants abound!


Some cabins and shacks dot the hillsides.

Giant trees and thick underbrush make it difficult to photograph wildlife, but plenty of it exists here.



Floki, a lovely Great Egret is a resident of the Banana Bay marina docks and can be seen perched on local fishing boats in search of breakfast.





Of course we can't forget the wildlife aboard the boat. One morning we woke up to find the cockpit full of feathers and two very smug looking Meezers.  Ninja is sporting his "Ninja look" here on the left and LoWang is trying very hard to look innocent. 

Ninja peeks overboard as some fish jump out of the water.

Ninja and LoWang hanging out together.

Cruising kitties.




Ninja gets a workout on the lines. 

S/V Prism at anchor in Golfito Bay.





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